LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Chap.U^-^Copyriglit No 

ShelLS.vr8^ 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



A Year Book of 
Colonial Times 



Compiled by the ig,** 

Rev. Frederick Sc^Sill, D.D. 

Member of the Society of Colonial Wars 



« 



NEW YORK 
E. P. BUTTON & COMPANY 

31 West Twenty-third Street 
1S99 



V^^^ 



January 3 
1749 Date of the Charter of Bennington, Ver- 



mont. 



He who first met the Highlands sweUing blue, 
Will love each peak that shows a kindred hue ; 
Hail in each crag a friend's familiar face, 
And clasp the mountain in his mind's embrace. 

Byron. 



January 4 

1689 Henry Slough ter was commissioned Royal 
Governor of New York on the eve of the 
I^eisler troubles, but did not arrive until 
March, 1691. 

Though usurpers sway the rule a while, 

Yet heavens are just and time suppresseth 

wrong. 

Shakespeare. 



January 5 

1770 The New York Council passed an Act for 
issuing Bills of Credit. 

'T is necessity 
To which the gods must yield ; and I obey 
Till I redeem it by some glorious way. 

BEAUMONT and F1.ETCHER. 



January 6 

1759 Washington was married to Mistress 
Martha Custis. 

Honest company, I thank you all, 
That have beheld me give away myself 
To this most patient, sweet, and virtuous wife. 

Shakespkare:. 



January 7 

1699 Treaty of Peace ratified between Massa 
chusetts 
Indians 



chusetts and the Sagamores of the Maine 



Peace hath her victories. 
No less renowned than war. 

M11.TON. 



January 8 

1755 The Town Meeting of Sharon, Mass., as 
the custom long had been, took action on 
the salary of their minister. 

There goes the parson, oh, illustrious spark ! 
And there, scarce less illustrious, goes the clerk. 

CowPER. 



January 9 

1 62 1 A meeting at Plymouth was held which 
determined the manner and division of 
labour in building the town : " The germ 
and bud of the N. K. Town Meeting." 

Great results are oft the issue of small occasions. 
• A. Phe;i,ps. 



January 10 

1676 Relief troops arrived at Narragansett to 
succour the survivors of the ' ' Great 
Swamp Fight." 

When the blast of war blows in our ears, 
Then imitate the action of the tiger : 
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood. 
Shakespkar^. 



January 1 1 

1676 The Council ordered that the Night 
Watch be set at 8 p.m. in New York 
City. 

When night 
Darkens the streets, then wander forth the sons 
Of Belial, flown with insolence and wine. 

MlI^TON. 



January 12 

1676 The Indian Sachems in New England 
proposed a month's truce, which the Col- 
onists refused. 

And be these juggling fiends no more believed 
That palter with us in a double sense : 
That keep the word of promise to our ear, 
And break it to our hope. 

Shakespeare. 



January 13 

1768 An Act was passed in New York to re- 
lieve the city of expense by the speedy 
trial of offenders. 

The hungry judges soon the sentence sign, 
And wretches hang, that jurymen may dine. 

Pope. 



January 14 

1639 Connecticut adopted a Constitution of 
its own, the first Colonial Constitution 
framed by Americans. 

Law is the embodiment of the moral sentiment 
of the people. 

B1.ACKST0NE. 



January 15 

1674 Provisional Charter granted to New 
Orange by Gov. Colve, after New York 
was recommitted to the Dutch in 1673. 

The magistrates shall take care that the Re- 
formed Christian Religion, conformable to the 
Synod of Dordrecht, shall be maintained. 

Charter. 



January 16 

1771 The sexton of the South Church in Bos- 
ton was ordered to remove the foot-stoves 
after service, to prevent fire. 

Fire that 's closest kept burns most of all. 
Shakespeare. 



January 17 

1706 Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston. 

Statesman, yet friend to truth ; of soul sincere, 
In action faithful, and in honour clear. 

Pope. 



January i8 

1770 Battle of Golden Hill, Mass. First blood 
shed in defence of American Colonial 
rights. 

We must be free or die, who speak the tongue 
that Shakespeare spake ; the faith and morals 
hold which MiUon held. 

Wordsworth. 



January 19 

162 1 John Goodman of Plymouth encountered 
two great wolves, which he withstood 
" with a stick and a pale-board." 

True courage is calm and cool. 

Shaftesbury. 



January 20 

1661 Solomon La Chair was appointed the 
first Public Notary of New Amsterdam. 

Go with me to the notary ; seal me there 
Your single bond. 

Shakespeare. 



January 21 

1621 The Pilgrims held tlieir first full Sunday 
meeting on shore, most of the town of 
Plymouth being built. 

Without a Sabbath, no worship ; without wor- 
ship, no rehgion ; and without religion, no per- 
manent freedom. 

MONTAI^EMBERT. 



January 22 

1689 The Grand Council of Indians at Onon- 
daga formed an alliance with the English 
against Canada. 

Give him all kindness : 
I had rather have 

Such men my friends, than enemies. 
Shakespeare. 



January 23 

1707 Petition presented to New York Council 
for a second Ferry to Long Island. 

A boat, a boat ! haste to the ferry, 
And we '11 go over, and make merry. 
Old English Glee, 



January 24 

1764 Harvard College Library was destroyed 
by fire. 

My library was dukedom large enough. 
Shakespeare. 



January 25 

1659 The West India Company was allowed 
to traffic in slaves, by a commission given 
to the ship Oak Tree. 

Disguise thyself as thou wilt, still, Slavery, 
thou art a bitter draught. 

STERNE. 



January 26 

1679 La Salle laid the keel of the first vessel 
built in western waters, six miles above 
Niagara. 

The world owes all its onward impulses to men 
ill at ease. 

Hawthorne. 



January 27 

1676 The Connecticut troops under Major 
Treat arrived at _ Narragansett for the 
second campaign against King Philip. 

War is a terrible trade ; but in the cause that is 

righteous 
Sweet is the smell of powder. 

lyONGFELLOW. 



January 28 

1676 Gov. Winslow marched against the Nar- 
ragansetts after the " Great Swamp 
Fight," in the second campaign. 

A thousand glorious actions that might claim 
Triumphant laurels and immortal fame, 
Confus'd in crowds of glorious actions lie, 
And troops of heroes undistinguished die. 

Addison. 

January 29 

1621 Death of Rose Standish, wife of the Cap- 
tain of Plymouth. 

Yonder there on the hill by the sea, lies buried 

Rose Standish, 
Beautiful rose of love, that bloomed for me by 

the wayside. 
She was the first to die of all who came in the 

Mayflower. 

IvONCFELI.OW, 



January 30 
1649 Charles the First was beheaded . 

Everything that happens in the world is part of 
a great plan of God running through all time. 



1747 



BEECHER. 



January 31 

Battle of Minas, Grand Pre, Nova Scotia. 

Those that fly may fight again, 
Which he can never do that 's slain. 

BUTI.ER. 



February i 

1775 A Provincial Congress met at Phila- 
delphia. 

Let us have a Government, by which our lives, 
liberties, and properties will be secured. 

Washington. 



February 2 

1653 New York City was incorporated as New 
Amsterdam. 

Our hearts, our hopes, are all with thee, 
Our hearts, our hopes, our prayers, our tears. 
Our faith triumphant o'er our fears. 
Are all with thee— are all with thee. 

LONGFEI^IyOW. 



February 3 

1676 The Connecticut forces returned home 
after the " Great Swamp Fight." 

Rest is sweet after strife. 

Owen Meredith. 



February 4 

1714 The Justices and Vestr3'men of New York 
refused to pay the Rev. Mr. Vesey's sal- 
ary, because he had left the city tempor- 
arily without their permission. 

Justice, while she winks at crimes 
Stumbles ou innocence sometimes. 

BuTi^ER. 



February 5 

1631 The ship Lyon from Bristol, Eng., arrived 
at Boston, with Roger Williams, and sup- 
plies for the Colony. 

Heaven hath a hand in these events, 
To whose high Will be bound our calm contents. 

Shakespeare. 



February 6 

1697 First Service was held in the first Trinity 
Church, New York. 

I love the Church, the holy Church 
That o'er our life presides, 
The birth, the bridal, and the grave 
And many an hour besides. 

CoxK. 



February 7 



1775 Parliament declared Massachusetts to be 
in Rebellion. 

Now let it work : Mischief, thou art afoot. 
Take thou what course thou wilt. 

Shakespeare. 



February 8 

1690 Indian Massacre of the town of Sche- 
nectady. 

Murder may pass unpunished for a time, 
But tardy justice will o'ertake the crime. 

DrydEN. 



February 9 

1674 New York was surrendered by treaty to 
the English, for the second time. 

England, our Mother's MotTier ! Come and see 
A greater England here ! O come and be 
At home with us, your children, for there runs 
The same blood in our veins as in your sons'. 

Stoddard. 



February 10 

1763 Canada, the West Indies, Florida, Louis- 
iana, Acadia, Cape Breton, etc., were 
confirmed to England by the Treaty of 
Paris. 

Who seeks, and will not take when once 'tis 

offered, 
Shall never find it more. 

Shakespeare. 



February 1 1 

1732 The Birthday of George Washington, as 
observed during his life. 

Until time shall be no more, will a test of the 
progress which our race has made in wisdom 
and in virtue be derived from the veneration 
paid to the immortal name of Washington. 
Lord Brougham. 



February 12 

1704 The first Quaker Meeting House was 
allowed to be built in New York. 

The Quaker of the olden time, 
How calm and firm and true ! 
Unspotted by its wrong and crime 
He walked the dark earth through. 

WhiTTier. 



February 13 

1652 The Amsterdam Directors favour a league 
of the New Netherlands with New Eng- 
land against the Indians. 

It is a maxim, founded on the universal experi- 
ence of mankind, that no nation is to be trusted 
further than it is bound by its interests. 

Washington. 



February 14 

1682 A party of French and Indians under La 
Salle embarked on the Mississippi River. 

A brave soul is a thing which all things serve. 

Ai,Ex. Smith. 



February 15 

1694 The first book was printed in New York. 

A book ! O rare one ! 

Be not, as in our fangled world, a garment 

Nobler than that it covers. 

ShakespKare. 



February 16 

1683 The first Court of Chancer}^ was held in 
New York. 

Justice is the great standing policy of civil 
society. 

BURKli. 



February 17 

1621 Myles Standish was chosen as Captain of 
the Plymouth forces. 

Stern as a soldier might be, but hearty and 
placable always. 

Great of heart, magnanimous, courtly, cour- 
ageous. 

L0NGFBI.1.OW. 



February i8 

1676 Major Walderne held a parley with the 
Indians at Maquoit, Maine. 

Trust none ; 
For oaths are straws, men's faiths are wafer- 
cakes 
And hold-fast is the only dog. 

Shakespeare:. 



February 19 

169 1 A pillory, cage, and ducking-stool were 
ordered built in New York City. 

For each particular crime a strict account will 
be exacted. 

Massinger. 



February 20 

1633 David De Vries arrived at Fort Nassau, 
and became Patroon of Staten Island. 

Higher than the perfect song 
For which love longeth, 

Is the tender fear of wrong 
That never wrongeth. 

Bayard Tayi,or. 



February 21 

1682 A Virginia Printer was forbidden to print 
anything until his majesty's pleasure in 
Kngland should be known. 

I knew him. tyrannous ; and tyrants' fears 
Decrease not, but grow faster than the years. 

Shakespejare. 



February 22 

1677 Major Walderne started on an expedition 
up the Kennebec River against the East- 
ern Indians. 

And tho' I hope not hence unscath'd to go, 
Who conquers me shall find a stubborn foe. 

Byron. 



February 23 

1716 A public clock was ordered for New 
York. 

The clock upbraids me with the waste of time. 

Shakespeare. 



February 24 
1704 Indian Massacre at Deerfield, Mass. 

Cruelty, like every other vice, requires only 
opportunity. 

George Ewot. 



February 25 

1643 The Council of New Amsterdam declared 
war with the Indians. 

Cry '' Havoc " and let slip the dogs of war. 
Shakespeare. 



February 26 

1656 The first Fire Wardens were appointed 
by the Dutch for New Amsterdam. 

A little fire is quickly trodden out ; 
Which, being suffered, rivers cannot quench. 

Shakespeare. 



February 27 



1677 Major Walderne had an encounter with 
hostile Indians at Penobscot, Me. 

If we are marked to die, we are enow 
To do our country loss ; and if to live. 
The fewer men, the greater share of honour. 
Shakespeare. 



February 28 

1665 A Convention was called to meet in New 
York to ratify a code of laws for the 
Colony. 

Laws are not invented ; they grow out of cir- 
cumstances. 

AZARIAS. 



March i 

1670 The "Constitutions" for the Carolinas 
were signed by the king, but were not 
acceptable to the people. 

The great thing in this world is not so much 
where we stand, as in what direction we are 
moving. 

HoiyMES. 



March 2 
1764 Date of the Charter of Brown University. 

Learning by study must be won ; 

'T was ne'er entailed from sire to son. 

Gay. 



March 3 

1636 The Massachusetts Council granted tem- 
porary commissions to four companies 
about to settle Connecticut. 

But Heaven hath a hand in these events, 
To whose high Will be bound our calm contents. 

Shakkspkare. 



March 4 

1629 First Charter of the Massachusetts Bay 
Colony granted. 

The Providence that watches over the affairs of 
men works out of their mistakes at times a 
healthier issue than could have been accom- 
plished by their wisest forethought. 

Froudk. 



March 5 

1750 The first Theatrical Performance in New 
York City. 

The stage I chose — a subject fair and free, 
'T is yours — 't is mine — 't is public property. 
All common exhibitions open lie, 
For praise or censure, to the common eye. 

ChURCHIIvI.. 



March 6 

1769 Vermont was separated from New York 
as a distinct Colony. 

Thy spirit, Independence, let me share ; 

Ivord of the lion heart and eagle eye. 
Thy steps I follow with my bosom bare 

Nor heed the storm that howls along the sky. 

Smoi^i^ett. 



March 7 

1763 The Ministers and Elders of the French 
Church in New York applied for a 
Charter. 

His faith, perhaps, in some nice tenets might 
Be wrong ; his life, I 'm sure, was in the right. 

C0WI.EY. 



March 8 



1638 Captain John Mason was appointed Ma- 
jor-General of the Connecticut forces. 

In joys, in grief, in triumph, in retreat, 
Great always, without aiming to be great. 

Roscommon. 



March 



9 



1723 The French settlement of Old Town, 
Maine, was attacked and burned by 
Massachusetts troops. 

One thing is forever good : 
That one thing is Success. 

Kmkrson. 



March 10 

1643 The English House of Commons released 
Colonists from 
King: Charles I. 



Colonists from the oath of allegiance to 



When liberty is gone 
Life grows insipid and has lost its relish, 

Addison. 



March 1 1 



1736 All beggars in New York were ordered 
by the Council to be put to hard labor. 

Well, whiles I am a beggar, I will rail, 
And say there is no sin, but to be rich ; 
And being rich, my virtue then shall be 
To say — there is no vice but beggary. 

Shakespeare. 



March 12 

1664 I^ong Island and New York were granted 
by Charles II. to the Duke of York. 

If you were born to honor, show it now ; 
If put upon you, make the judgment good 
That thought you worthy of it. 

Shakkspkare:. 



March 13 

1639 The name of "Harvard" was given to 
the college at Cambridge, Mass. 

Binding herself by statute to secure 

For all the children whom her soil maintains 

The rudiments of letters, and inform 

The mind with moral and religious truth. 

Wordsworth. 



March 14 

1644 A charter was granted to Rhode Island, 
at the request of Roger Williams. 

I must have liberty 
Withal, as large a charter as the wind 
To blow on whom I please. 

ShakespKare. 



March 15 

1653 First Public Debt of New Amsterdam 
created. 

You say you nothing owe ; and so I say : 
He only owes who something hath to pay. 

Martiai,. 



March 16 

1648 Taverns were first licensed in New Am- 
sterdam by the Dutch. 

Shall I not take mine ease in mine Inn ? 
Shakespeare. 



March i 7 

1757 French attack on Fort William Henry at 
Lake George. 

Then more fierce 
The conflict grew : the din of arms, the yell 
Of savage rage, the shriek of agony. 
The groan of death, commingled in one sound 
Of undistinguish'd horrors. 

SOUTHEY. 



March 1 8 

1766 The Stamp Act was repealed by Par- 
liament. 

I rejoice that America has resisted. 

Wm. Pitt. 



March 19 

1767 The third lyibert}^ Pole was erected in 
New York City. 

Liberty, like day, 
Breaks on the soul, and by a flash from heaven 
Fires all the faculties with glorious joy. 

COWPER. 



March 20 

1687 Death of L,a Salle, the French discoverer 
of the Mississippi. 

The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power, 
And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave. 
Await alike the inevitable hour. 
The paths of glory lead but to the grave. 

Gray. 



March 21 

1733 Bowling Green in New York City was set 
apart as a Public Park. 
Here on this grass plot, iu this very place 
To come and sport. 

Shakespeare. 



March 22 

1622 Massacre of Virginia Colonists by In- 
dians at Jamestown and eighty other 
plantations. 

One woe doth tread upon another's heel, 
So fast they follow. 

Shakespeare. 



March 23 

1 62 1 First regular Town Meeting held at Ply- 
mouth, when Gov. Carver was re-elected. 

Oh, he sits high in all the people's hearts. 
Shakespeare. 



March 24 

1 62 1 The first offender in New England was 
tried and convicted for insubordination 
and profanity. 

Right lives by law, and law subsists by power ; 
Disarm the shepherd, wolves the flock devour. 

Dryden. 



March 25 

1609 The Hudson River was discovered by 
Hendrick Hudson. 

Death makes no conquest of the conqueror, 
For now he lives in fame. 

Shakespeare. 



March 26 

1676 Battle with Narragansett Indians at Re- 
hobotli in which Capt. Michael Peirce 
and a company of Plymouth troops were 
killed. 

Enough of merit has each honored name 
To shine untarnished on the rolls of fame, 
And add new lustre to the historic page. 

David Humphreys. 



March 27 

1676 Capture of the Indian Chief Canonchet 
by Connecticut and Indian troops. 

There is no nobler figure in all the annals of 
the American Indians. He was the real head 
and life of the Indians at war, aud his capture 
was the death-blow to their hopes. 

Bodge. 



March 28 

1676 Roger Williams attempted to restrain the 
Narragansett Indians from an attack on 
Providence. 

Whate'er betides, by destiny 't is done ; 
And better bear like men, than vainly seem to 
shun. 

Dryden. 



March 29 

1665 Gov. NicoUs attempted to quarter soldiers 
on the Dutch. An unpopular measure. 

I do oppose 
My patience to his fury ; and am armed 
To suffer, with a quietness of spirit, 
The very tyranny and rage of his. 

Shakespeare. 



March 30 

1752 Isabella Morris, widow of Gov. Morris 
of New York, died in her eightieth year. 

A woman's rank 
Lies in the fulness of her womanhood ; 
Therein alone she is royal. 

George Bi<iot. 



March 3 1 

1653 Palisades were built to protect New York 
against the Indians. 

Would'st thou have a serpent sting thee twice ? 

ShakespEarr. 



April I 

1765 The Stamp Act was passed by the House 
of Lords. 

The merchants of Great Britain, trading to the 
Colonies, will not be among the last to wish for 
a repeal of the Act. 

Washington. 



April 2 

1774 Gen. Gage became the last Royal Gov- 
ernor of Massachusetts. 

Great Britain thought she was only to hold up 
the rod, and all would be hushed. 

Washington. 



April 3 

1775 The Colonial Assembly of New York 
held its last session. 

None of the Colonies will ever submit to the 
loss of their valuable rights and privileges, 
which are essential to the happiness of every 

Free State. 

Washington. 



April 4 

1689 News of the Invasion of the Prince of 
Orange was received at Boston. 

• Every nation has a right to establish that form 
of Government under which it conceives it may 
live most happy. 

Washington. 



April 5 

1621 The Pilgrims at Plymouth levelled the 
graves of their dead, and sowed corn seed 
to hide the number from the Indians. 

When Spring with dewy fingers cold 
Returns to deck their hallowed mould, 
She there shall dress a sweeter sod 
Than Fancy's feet have ever trod. 

Wm. Coi^WNS. 



April 6 

1682 La Salle reached the mouth of the Missis- 
sippi River. 

Through every rift*of discovery some seeming 
anomaly drops out of the darkness, and falls, 
as a golden link, into the great chain of order. 

Chapin. 



April 7 

1630 Date of the Letter of the Boston Colo- 
nists on board the Arabella to their 
"brethren in and of the Church of Eng- 
land." 

The responsibility of tolerance lies with those 
who have the wider vision. 

George Ewot. 



April 8 

1638 Gov. Kieft of New Amsterdam organized 
his first Council. 

Men give away nothing so liberally as their 
advice. 

Rochefoucauld. 



April 9 

1682 La Salle discovered the mouth of the 
Mississippi. 

He was the first to fully appreciate the import- 
ance of securing to France the two great valleys 
of this continent. 

PaTTon. 



April 10 

1606 The first Charter was granted to Virginia 
Colonists. 

Who can answer where any road leads to? 

Meredith. 



April 1 1 

1713 The Peace of Utrecht ended the War of 
the Spanish Succession. 

Though usurpers sway the rule awhile, 
Yet heavens are just, and time suppresseth 
wrongs. 

Shakespeare. 



April 12 



1695 The votes of the New York Assembly 
were first printed. 



No mau should be a partisan in the sense of 
one who votes for his party, right or wrong. 

Crosby. 



April 13 

1670 Date of the Deed of Staten Island from 
the Indians to the Governor of New 
York. 

Since you will buckle fortune on my back, 
To bear her burthen, whe'r I will, or no, 
I must have patience to endure the load. 

Shakespeare. 



April 14 

1642 New Hampshire was annexed to Massa- 
chusetts Colony, as a part of the Province. 

You shall be a father to my youth ; 

My voice shall sound as you do prompt mine 

ear ; 
And I will stoop and humble my intents 
To your well -practised, wise direction. 

Shakespeare. 



April 15 

1638 First Sunday spent at New Haven by 

the newly arrived Colonists. 

The Sunday is the core of our civilization. 

Emerson. 



April 1 6 

1644 Death of Elder Brewster of the Plymouth 
Colony. 

One voice only for peace, and that the voice of 
the Elder. 

L0NGFEI.1.OW. 



April 17 

1702 The Proprietors of New Jersey surren- 
dered their power of government to Queen 
Anne. 

Any man may make a mistake, but none but a 
fool will continue in it. 

Cicero. 



April 18 

1637 Massachusetts declared war against the 
Pequod Indians. 

To kill, I grant, is sin's extremest gust ; 
But in defence, by mercy, 't is most just. 
Shakespeare. 



April 19 

1672 Representative government was instituted 
by South Carolina. 

It is the weakness and danger of repubUcs, 
that the vices as well as the virtues of the peo- 
ple are represented in their legislation. 

Mrs. Mary H. Hunt. 



April 20 



1676 Rebellion in Virginia, under Nathaniel 
Bacon, against the Royal Government, in 
favour of self-government. 



Self-defence is a virtue, 
Sole bulwark of all right. 

Byron. 



April 21 

1676 Fight at Sudbury, Mass. , with the Indians. 

Oh ! 't is easy 
To beget great deeds ; but in the rearing of 

them — 
The treading in cold blood each mean detail — 
There lies the self-denial. 

KINGS1.BY. 



April 22 

1730 A Public Library was founded in New 
York. 

Books should to one of these four ends conduce, 
For wisdom, piety, delight, or use. 

Denham. 



April 23 

1662 Royal Charter granted to the Patentees 
of Connecticut by Charles II. 

It is better to be nobly remembered than nobly 
born. 

RUSKIN. 



April 24 

1704 First issue of the Bostori News Letter, 
the first American newspaper. 

Only a newspaper ! quick read, quick lost ; 
Torn, trampled under feet ; who counts thy 

cost, 
Star-eyed Intelligence. 

Cl^EMMER. 



April 25 

1643 Treaty made between the Dutch of New 
Amsterdam and the Indian Sachem Ora- 
tatrim. 

Peace is rarely denied to the peaceful. 

SCHII^LER. 



April 26 

1607 Landing made by Virginia Colonists at 
Cape Henry. 

This day we fashion Destiny, our web of Fate 
we spin. 

Whittier. 



April 27 

1686 Dongan Charter granted to New York 
City. 

The three great ends for a statesman are, se- 
curity to possessors, facility to acquirers, and 
liberty and hope to the people. 

COI^ERIDGE. 



April 28 

1607 The Virginia Colonists discovered the 
mouth of the Delaware River. 

That man may safely venture on his way, 
Who is so guided that he cannot stray, 

vScoTT. 



' April 29 

1648 An ordinance was passed by the Dutch 
Council for the observance of Sunda^^ 

Take the Sunday with you through the week, 
And sweeten with it all the other days. 

LoNGFE;r.T<ow. 



April 30 

1758 The "German Flats" in New York 
were attacked by the French and Indians. 

When Fortune means to men most good 
She looks upon them with a threatening eye. 

Shakespkark. 



May I 

1690 The New England and New York Colo- 
nies resolved to attempt the conquest of 
Canada. 

We are but the instruments of Heaven : our 
work is not design, but destiny. 

Meredith. 



May 2 

1746 Engagement in the Gulf of Mexico be- 
tween Capt. Seymour in the Snow Dragon 
and Capt. Jefferis in the Greyhound and 
a Spanish ship of war. 

Whoever commands the sea, commands the 
trade ; whoever commands the trade of the 
world, commands the riches of the world. 

Raleigh. 



May 3 

1717 Brunswick, Maine, was set off as a town- 
ship. 

At the bottom of the foundations of the Ameri- 
can system hes the township. 

Douglas Campbe1vI<. 



May 4 

1626 Peter Minuit became third Colonial Gov- 
ernor of New Netherlands. 

Thou art a fellow of good respect ; 
Thy life hath had some smatch of honour in it. 

vShakkspEark. 



May 5 

175s Philip Schuyler received a Captain' s com^ 
mission from Gov. De Lancy. 

I do not think a braver gentleman, 
More active-valiant, or more valiant-young, 
More daring, or more bold, is now alive 
To grace this latter age with noble deeds. 
ShakESPEark. 



May 6 

1697 The Charter of Trinity Church, New 
York, was signed by William III. 

Religion crowns the statesman and the man, 
Sole solace of public and of private peace. 

Young. 



May 7 

1725 Battle with Indians at Fryeburg, Maine. 

A thousand glorious actions that might claim 
Triumphant laurels and immortal fame 
Confused in crowds of glorious actions lie, 
And troops of heroes undistinguished die. 

Addison. 



May 8 

1763 Pontiac and other chiefs held a Council 
with Major Henry Gladwin at the Fort 
in Detroit. 

The iron will of one stout heart shall make a 
thousand quail. 

TuPPER. 



May 9 

1640 All ordinance was passed by New Am- 
sterdam for the protection of the Indian 
cornfields. 

Give him all kindness ; I had rather have 
Such men my friends, than enemies. 

Shakespeare. 



May 10 

1676 An " epidemical cold " prevailed in New 
England, so that the military forces were 
disbanded for a season of recovery, by 
order of the Courts. 

Winter lingering chills the lap of May. 

GOI^DSMITH. 



May II 

1741 Executions in connection with the Negro 
Plot in New York began. 

Justice, like lightning, ever should appear to 
few men's ruin, but to all men's fear. 

SWEETMAN. 



May 12 

1678 The King of France granted a monopoly 
of trade on the Mississippi to La Salle. 

He spread his sails with vantage to the gale of 
others' passions. 

B. JONSON. 



May 13 

1607 Arrival of the London Company Colo- 
nists with Capt. Christopher Newport in 
the James River, Virginia. 

You brave heroic minds, 

Worthy your country's name, 

That honour still pursue, 

Go and subdue ; 

Whilst loitering hinds 

lyurk here at home with shame. 

MiCHAEi. Drayton. 



May 14 

1607 The London Company Colonists landed, 
and established Jamestown. 
In kenning of the shore 
(Thanks to God first given), 
O you the happiest men 
Be frolic then. 
Let cannon roar. 
Frighting the wide heaven. 

MicHAEiv Drayton. 



May 15 

1760 The French shipping in Quebec harbour 
was destroyed by the Colonial forces. 
Thus far our fortune keeps an upward course, 
And we are graced with wreaths of victory. 

Shakespeare. 



May 16 

1691 Leisler and Milborne were hanged in 
New York for reputed treason. 
Courage, if crowned with success, is heroism ; 
if clouded by defeat, temerity. 

C01.TON. 



May 17 

1760 Siege of Quebec raised by the French, 
and England left in possession of all 
Canada. 

Peace the offspring is of Power. 

Bayard Taylor. 



May 18 

1 73 1 The boundary line between New York 
and Massachusetts was settled. 

Peace rules the day when reason rules the 
mind. 

C01.1.INS. 



May 19 

1676 The "Falls Fight" under Captain 
Turner. 

No thought of flight, 
Noue of retreat, no unbecoming deed 
That argued fear ; each on himself relied 
As only in his arm the moment lay 
Of victory. 

MlI^TON. 



May 20 

1690 Destruction of Falmouth, now Portland, 
Me., by the French and Indians. 

The good are better made by ill 
As odours crUvShed are better still. 

Rogers. 



May 21 

1607 Capt. John Smith and his companions 
started to discover the head of the James 
River. 

Screw your courage to the sticking-place 
And we '11 not fail. 

Shakespeare. 



May 22 

1637 '^^^^ Hartford troops under Captain Mason 
persuaded the Mohegan Indians under 
Uncas to join them against the Pequods. 

Yet hold it more humane, more heavenly first 
By winning words to conquer willing hearts, 
And make persuasion do the work of fear. 

MlIvTON. 



May 



1773 Battle of Sag Harbour, Long Island. 

But when all is past, it is humbling to tread 
O'er the weltering fields of the tombless dead. 

Byron. 



May 24 

1607 Captain Smith's compan}' erected a cross 
on the islet near the Falls of the ' ' Pow- 
hattan " River and changed its name to 
*' James." 

Let us think less of men and more of God. 

BAII.EY. 



May 25 

1637 Capt. John Mason arrived at the fort of 
Sassacus, chief of the Pequods. 

The conflict deepens. On, ye brave, 
Who rush to glory, or the grave ! 

Campbei.1*. 



May 26 

1637 Defeat and rout of the Pequod Indians 
under vSassacus, by Capt. John Mason 
and Uncas. 

Sassacoiis, now no more 
T^ord of a thousand bowmen, fled ; 
And all the chiefs, his boast before, 
Were mingled with the unhonoured dead. 

Eastburn. 



May 27 

1754 Date of a Poster of the New Theatre in 
Water Street, Philadelphia. 

Will you see the players well bestowed ? 
They are the abstracts and brief chronicles of 
the time. 

Shakespeare. 



May 28 

1690 Capture of Fort Loyal, at Portland, Me., 
by the French and Indians. 

Who thinks that Fortune cannot change her 

mind, 
Prepares a dreadful jest for all mankind. 

Pope. 



May 29 

1645 Some of the Indian sachems agreed to a 
treaty of peace with the Dutch of New 
Amsterdam. 

The man who trusts men will make fewer mis- 
takes than he who distrusts them. 

Cavour. 



May 30 

1685 Date of Wm. Penn's great treaty with 
the Indians for a large portion of Penn- 
sylvania. 

The land where the free soul of Penu 
Still lingers and breathes over mountain and 

glen,— 
Where the words of the Charter of Liberty first 



From the soul of the sage and the patriot burst, 
Where first for the wronged and the weak of 

their kind, 
The Christian and Statesman their efforts com- 
bined. 

Whittier. 



May 31 

1754 Washington succeeded Col. Joshua Fry 
as colonel in command of the Ohio Ex- 
pedition. 

'T is much he dares ; 
And, to that dauntless temper of his mind, 
He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour 
To act in safety. 

Shakespeare. 



June I 
1689 Leisler's Revolution in New York began. 
Protest against King James's appoint- 
ments. 

The times are wild ; contention, like a horse 
Full of high feeding, madly hath broke loose. 
And bears down all before him. 

vShakespearE. 

June 2 

1692 The Court of Salem, Mass., began its 
fateful trials for witchcraft. 

That 's the worst tidings that I hear of yet. 
Shakespeare. 

June 3 

1621 Date of the Charter of the West India 
Company granted by the States- General. 
Trade is the golden girdle of the globe. 

COWPER. 



i 



June 4 

1647 Date of the New Haven Compact be- 
tween Governor Baton and Rev. John 
Davenport. 

It is better for a city to be governed by a good 
man than even by good laws. 

Aristotle. 



June 5 

1747 Inoculation for smallpox was prohibited 
by Governor CHnton of New York. 

None are too wise to be mistaken, but few are 
so wisely just as to acknowledge and correct 
their mistakes, and especially the mistakes of 
prejudice. 

Barrow. 



June 6 

1625 Sarah Rapelje was born at Albany, the 
first white child born in New Netherlands. 

Ah ! what would the world be to us. 
If the children were no more ? 
We should dread the desert behind us, 
Worse thau the dark before. 

LONGFEI^IvOW. 



I 

i 



June 7 

1629 Charters were first granted to Patroons in 
New Netherlands. 
Fortune gives too much to many, but to none 

enough. 

MarTiai,. 



June 8 

1709 Paper money was first authorised by law 
in New York. 

Society is built upon trust, and trust upon con- 
fidence in one another's integrity. 

South. 



June 9 

1732 A Charter was granted to Georgia as a 
separate Colony. 
And so without more circumstance at all, 
I hold it fit, that we shake hands and part. 
Shakespeare. 



June 10 

1607 Capt. John Smith was sworn in as a 
member of the Jamestown Council. 

There is a kind of character in thy life 
That to the observer doth thy history 
Fully unfold. 

Shakespeare. 



June 1 1 

1610 The first Dutch emigrants landed at 

New Netherlands. 

Home, kindred, friends, and countr\' — these 
Are things with which we never part ; 
From clime to clime, o'er land and seas. 
We bear them with us in our heart. 

Montgomery. 



line 12 



1630 John Winthrop and others of the Massa- 
chusetts Bay Colony arrived at Salem. 

As slow our ship her foaming track 
Against the wind was clearing, 
Her trembling pennant still looked back. 
To that dear isle 't was leaving. 

Moore. 



June 13 

1764 Sandy Hook Lighthouse was lighted for 
the first time. 

The rocky ledge runs far into the sea. 
And on its outer point, some miles away, 
The Lighthouse lifts its massive masonry, 
A pillar of fire by night, of cloud by day- 

IvONGFEl.I<OW. 



June 14 

1639 Date of original agreement to elect Town 
officers at New Haven. 

Five things are requisite to a good officer — abil- 
ity, clean hands, despatch, patience, and im- 
partiality. 

PENN. 



June 15 

1607 The Fort at Jamestown was finished. 

Old cradle of an infant world. 
In which a nestling empire lay. 
Struggling awhile, ere she unfurled 
Her gallant wing, and soared away. 

PAUI.DING. 



June 16 

1701 Date of Charter of the ' ' Society for Prop- 
agating the Gospel in Foreign Parts," 
especially New England and New York. 
(Founded June 23d. Organised June 
27th.) 

If our religion is not true, we are bound to 
change it ; if it is true, we are bound to propa- 
gate it. 

WHATEI.Y. 



June 17 

1745 Capture of lyonisburg, Cape Breton, by 
the Colonial army and British fleet. 

The Western World and Pepperell now may 

claim 
As equal Honour and as lasting fame ; 
And Warren's Merit will in story last 
Till future Ages have forgot the past. 

N. V. Weekly Post Boy. 



June 18 

1621 Two of the Pilgrim Colonists, servants of 
Mr. Hopkins, fought a duel with swords. 

Part, fools ! 
Put up your swords : you know not what you 
do. 

Shakespeare. 



June 19 

1619 The first General Assembly of Burgesses 

met in Virginia. 

O Freedom — 
Thy birthright was not given by human hands ; 
Thou wert twin-born with man. 

Bryant. 



June 20 

1632 Date of Charter granted to Mar3dand. 

A word spoken in season, at the right moment, 
is the matter of ages. 

Cari,yi,e. 



June 21 

1607 First Service and Communion held at 
Jamestown by the Rev. Robt. Hunt. 
First worship God : he that forgets to pray, 
Bids not himself good-morrow or good-da^'. 

Randoi^ph. 



June 22 

1673 Marquette and Joliet, the first white men 
in Ohio, made peace with the Illinois 
Indians. 

Out of this nettle, danger, we pluck this flower, 
safety. 

vShakespeark. 



June 23 

1648 Fire Wardens were first appointed in 
New Amsterdam. 

Wise distrust and constant watchfulness are the 
parents of safety. 

Secker. 



June 24 

1675 King Philip's War began at Swansea, 
Mass, 

War ought never to be accepted until it is forced 
upon us by the hand of necessity. 

Sidney. 



June 25 

171 1 The English fleet, for the conquest of 
Canada, arrived in Boston harbour. 

Behold the threaden sails, 
Borne with the invisible and creeping wind. 
Draw the huge bottoms through the furrow'd 

sea, 
Breasting the lofty surge. 

Shakespeare. 



June 26 

1637 The ships Hector and Martin arrived at 
Boston with Colonists. 

Like sister sails that drift at night 
Together on the deep. 

RUSKIN. 



June 27 

1704 Act passed in New York granting privi- 
lege and powers to the Church of Eng- 
land in New York City. 

Be thou the first true merit to befriend : 
His praise is lost, who stays till all commend. 

Pope. 



June 28 

^670 Governor lyovelace guaranteed the salary 
of an orthodox Dutch minister at New 
York. 

I venerate the man whose heart is warm, 
Whose hands are pure, whose doctrine and 

whose life, 
Coincident, exhibit lucid proof 
That he is honest in the sacred cause. 

COWPER. 



June 29 

1759 Gen. Robert Monkton occupied Point 
Levi, opposite Quebec. 

On the summit, see. 
The seals of office glitter in his eyes ; 
He climbs, he pants, he grasps them. 

CowPER. 



June 30 

1763 ^i^Q pQj-t at Detroit received reinforce- 
ments, during its seige, under Major 
Gladwin. 

This accident and flood of fortune 
So far exceed all instance, all discourse, 
That I am ready to distrust mine eyes, 
And wrangle with my reason that persuades me 
To any other trust. 

Shakespeare. 



July I 

1636 Hartford, Conn., was settled by a com- 
pany under the Rev. Thomas Hooker. 
He builded better than he knew ; 
The conscious stone to beauty grew. 

Emerson. 



July 2 

1675 General Gookin was ordered to raise a 
company' of Christian Indians for the 
Mount Hope campaign. 
Love, hope, fear, faith — these make humanity ; 
These are its signs, and note, and character. 

Browning. 



July 



o 



1756 General Bradstreet defeated the French 
and Indians near Oswego. 



Strong souls 
Live like fire-hearted suns to spend their 

strength 
In furthest striving action. 

George Ewot. 



July 4 

1763 Major Gladwin read the treaty between 
England and France at Detroit, by which 
all western lands were secured to the 
English. 

England, our Mother's Mother ! 

Come and see 
A greater England here ! 

O come and be 
At home with us, your children, for there runs 
The same blood in our veins as in your sons. 

Stoddard. 



July 5 

1621 Massasoit, the Indian King, received two 
of the Pilgrim Colonists, and confirmed 
peace and friendship with Plymouth. 

Great souls by instinct to each other turn, 
Demand alHance, and in friendship burn. 

Addison. 



July 6 

1758 Death of Lord Howe at Lake George, 
near Fort Ticonderoga. 

A truer, nobler, trustier heart, 

More loving, or more loyal, never beat 

Within a human breast. 

Byron. 



July 7 

1691 A tax of half a penny a pound was levied 
to meet the debt of New York City. 

Who nothing has to lose, the war bewails ; 
And he who nothing pays, at taxes rails. 

CONGREVE. 



July 8 

1663 Date of the Rhode Island Charter. 

Great hearts have largest room to bless the 

small ; 
Strong natures give the weaker home and rest. 

IvUCY Larcom. 



July 9 

1755 General Braddock defeated in the Fort Du- 
quesne Expedition. Retreat effected by 
Washington's valour and skill. 

The most disgraceful and scandalous defeat 
that ever was heard of. 

DANIEI, DUI.ANY. 



July 10 

1759 General Wolfe encamped at Montmo- 
rency, preparatory to attack on Quebec. 

No great deed is done by falterers who ask for 
certainty. 

George Ewot. 



July II 

1656 The French settled at Onandaga, New 
York. 

All human projects are so faintly framed, 
So feebly planned, so liable to change, 
So mixed with error in their very form, 
That mutable and mortal are the same. 

Hannah More. 



July 12 

1756 General Bradstreet arrived in Albany on 
his return from Fort Oswego, which he 
had fortified and provisioned. 

Let ever)' eye negotiate for itself 
Aud ti-ust no agent. 

Shakespe;ark. 



July 13 

1673 Frontenac held a Council with the Iro- 
quois and received the name of " Onon- 
dis." 

'T is thus that on the choice of friends 
Our good or evil name depends. 

Gay. 



July 14 

1675 Mendon, Mass., was attacked by the 
Indians. 

Nothing is a misery 
Unless our weakness apprehend it so. 

Beaumont and Fi^etcher. 



July 15 



1759 General Prideaux was killed in the battle 
at Fort Niagara. 

It is held 
That valour is the chiefest virtue, and 
Most dignifies the haver ; if it be, 
The man I speak of cannot in the world 
Be singly counterpois'd. 

Shakespeare. 



July 16 

1640 The first serious measures were taken by 
New Amsterdam against the hostile 
Indians. 

Cease to consult, the time for action calls, 
War, horrid war, approaches to your walls. 

Pope. 



July 17 



1673 Marquette and Joliet ascended the Missis- 
sippi as far as the Illinois River. 

Fame is the fragrance of heroic deeds. 

LONGFEI,I,OW. 



July 1 8 



1759 General Wolfe reconnoitred the fleet on 
the St. Lawrence before Quebec. 

Now all the youth of England are on fire, 
And silken dalliance in the wardrobe lies ; 
Now thrive the armourers, and honour's thought 
Reigns solely in the breast of every man. 

Shakespeare. 



July 19 

1656 An ordinance was passed forbidding 
Indians to carry a gun or other weapon 
in New Amsterdam. 

Let 's teach ourselves that honourable stop. 
Not to outsport discretion. 

Shakespeare. 



July 20 

1764 The boundary line between New York 
and Connecticut w^as settled b}^ Royal 
order in Privy Council. 

Now join your hands, and with your hands your 

hearts, 
That no dissension hinder government. 

Shakespeare. 



July 21 

1715 Act passed in New York to oblige citizens 
of each ward to pay their quota of taxes. 

What is 't to us if taxes rise or fall ? 
Thanks to our fortune, we pay none at alh 

Churchili.. 



July 2 2 

1686 Date of the Incorporation of Albany un- 
der Dongan's Charter. 

Men well governed should seek after no other 
liberty, for there can be no greater liberty than 
a good government. 

RAIvEIGH. 



July 23 

1758 General Putnam was saved from torture 
by the valour of a French officer. 

The truly brave 
When they behold the brave oppress'd with 

odds, 
Are touched with a desire to shield and save. 

Byron. 



July 24 



1621 Virginia received its first written Consti- 
tution. 

The best of all governments is that which teaches 
us to govern ourselves. 

Goethe. 



July 25 

1759 Fort Niagara was reduced by Sir William 
Johnson. 

Thus far into the bowels of the land 
Have we march'd on without impediment. 
Shakespeare. 



July 26 

1649 The Dutch settlers of New Amsterdam 
applied to Holland for a Charter. 

Government is not mere advice ; it is authority, 
with power to enforce its laws. 

Washington. 



July 27 

1661 Schenectady was "purified" from In- 
dians. 

If it were done, when 'tis done, then 't were 

well 
It were done quickly. 

Shakespeare. 



July 28 

1646 Petros Stuyvesant was commissioned Di- 
rector of the New Netherlands. 

If honour calls, where'er she points the way, 
The sons of honour follow, and obey. 

Churchii.1,. 



July 29 

1677 Captain Swett had a severe encounter 
with the Indians at Black Point, Me. 

No man can answer for his courage who has 
never been in danger. 

ROCHEEOUCAUI^D. 



July 30 

1619 The first Virginia House of Burgesses 
met at Jamestown. 

The worth of a state, iu the long run, is the 
worth of the individuals composing it. 

J. Stuar'T Mux. 



July 31 

1607 The Gift of God and the Mary and foJm 
arrived at Monhegan, Me., with 120 
planters under Capt. George Popham. 

Enterprises of great pith and moment. 
Shakespeare. 



August I 

1759 The French abandoned Crown Point. 

Withdraw thy action, and depart in peace ; 
The remedy is worse than the disease. 

JUVENAI,. 



August 2 

1675 Battle with Indians at Brookfield, Mass. 

Hand to hand, and foot to foot, 
Nothing there, save death, was mute ; 
Stroke and thrust, and flash and cry 
For quarter, or for victory. 

Byron. 



August 



1715 Call issued for enlistment of troops to 
garrison the Fort at Brunswick, Me. 



When clouds are seen wise men put ou their 

cloaks ; 
When great leaves fall, then winter is at hand. 

Shakespeare. 



August 4 

173s Trial of Zenger, the editor, for libel 
against the Government of New York. 
Defended by Andrew Hamilton. 

Contention, like a horse 
Full of high feeding, madly hath broke loose. 
Shakespkare. 



August 5 

1620 The Pilgrims first sailed from Southamp- 
ton, England. 

Here the free spirit of mankind at length 
Throws its last fetters off; and who shall place 
A limit to the giant's unchained strength, 
Or curb his swiftness in the forward race ? 

Bryant. 



August 6 



1629 The Salem Colonists ordained their own 
minister, the first lay ordination, and 
published their covenant. 



A sect whose chief devotiou lies 
In odd perverse antipathies : 
In falling out with that and this, 
And finding somewhat still amiss, 

BUTI.ER. 

August 7 

1679 The ship Griffin sailed from Niagara 
River to the Upper Lakes. 

How gloriously her gallant course she goes ! 

Her white wings flying — 

She walks the waters like a thing of life. 

Byron. 



August 8 



1757 Surrender of Fort William Henry to 
Montcalm. 

There is no contending with necessity, and we 
should be very tender how we censure those 
that submit to it. 

L' Estrange. 



August 9 

1690 General Phips's expedition against Que- 
bec sailed from Nantasket. 
Full many a vessel threads the gates of morn 
With spreading sails, and gold upon its prow, 
That ere the eve will bend beneath the storm. 
Anna K. Green. 



August lo 



1766 British soldiers cut down the Liberty Pole 
on the Common in New York. 
Some act first, thiuk afterward, and theu repent 
for ever. 

C. Simmons. 



August 1 1 
1762 Havana capitulated to the English forces. 

'T is one thing to be at liberty to do what we 
will, and another thing to be tied up to do what 
we must. 

L' Estrange. 



August 12 

1676 Death of King Philip, the Indian Chief. 
Such a house broke ! 
So noble a master fallen ! All gone and not 
One friend to take his fortune by the arm 
And go along with him. 

Shakespeare. 



August 13 

1730 Governor Montgomerie gave a warrant to 
the Attorney-General to prepare a new 
Charter for New York. 



Not iu vain the distance beacons, 
Forward, forward let us range. 
I^et the great world spin for ever down the ring- 
ing grooves of change. 

Tennyson. 



August 14 

1621 An expedition against the hostile Indians 
was undertaken by Captain Standish. 

Figures ten in the mist marched slowly out of 

the village, 
Standish the stalwart it was, with eight of his 

valorous army, 
Led by their Indian guide, by Hobomok, friend 

of the white man. 
Northward marching to quell the sudden revolt 

of the savage. 

LONGFEl<I.OW. 



August 15 

1696 Fort Pemaquid, Me., was captured and 
destroyed by the French and Indians. 

No evil is without its compensation. 

Seneca. 



August 1 6 

1607 The Popham Colonists entered the Kene- 
bec River in Maine, in the Mary and 
John and the Gift of God. 
Bearing their birthrights proudly on their backs, 
To make a hazard of new fortunes here. 

Shakespeare. 



August I 7 

1673 New York changed to New Orange on 
temporary restoration of Dutch govern- 
ment. 

The end crowns all : 
And that old common arbitrator, Time, 
Will one day end it. 

Shakespeare. 



August 



1587 Birth of Virginia Dare, daughter of 
Ananias Dare and Eleanor White, the 
daughter of the Governor of Roanoke 
Colony. 

As pure as a pearl. 
And as perfect, a noble and innocent girl. 

Meredith. 



August 19 

1692 Five persons were hanged for witchcraft 
at Salem, Rev. George Burroughs among 
them. 

Then wholesome laws relieved the Church 
Of heretic and mischief maker, 
And priest and bailiff joined in search, 
By turns, of Papist, witch, and Quaker. 

WhITTIER. 



August 20 

1752 Rev. Dr. James MacSparran wrote a let- 
ter to Col. Henry Gary on "America 
Dissected. ' ' 

America ! half-brother of the world ! 
With something good and bad of every land. 
Greater than thee have lost their seat — 
Greater scarce none can stand. 

Baii^ey. 



AuofUSt 2 1 

1770 Statue of George III. was erected in the 
Bowling Green, New York. 
The voice of any people is the sword 
That guards them, or the sword that beats them 
down. 

Tennyson. 



Auorust 2 2 
o 

171 1 The fleet under Admiral Walker on its 
way to Quebec ran aground, and the ex- 
pedition against Canada was abandoned. 

What fates impose, that men must needs abide. 
It boots not to resist both wind and tide. 

Shake)SPEARE. 



August 23 

1756 The first stone of King's College, Colum- 
bia Universit}^ was laid. 

Build to-day, then, strong and sure, 
With a firm and ample base ; 
And ascending and secure, 
Shall to-morrow find its place. 

LONGFEI.I,OW. 



August 24 

1678 H. H. Obe was appointed the Drummer 
for New York City. 

Oh, once I was a drummer boy 
And wore a gay cockade, 
And merrily marched with rub-a-dub 
Around the green parade. 

Sidney Dyer. 



August 25 



1675 Fight with Indians at Sugar-I,oaf Hill, 
Mass. 

What boots the oft-repeated tale of strife, 
The feast of vultures, and the waste of life? 
The varying fortune of each separate field, 
The fierce that vanquish, and the faint that 
yield ? 

Byron. 

August 26 

1629 John Winthrop, Thomas Dudley, and 
others at Cambridge, England, cove- 
nanted to go to New England, if a 
Patent could be obtained. 

Set on your foot ; 
And with a heart new fired I follow you, 
To do I know not what. 

Shakespeare. 



August 27 

1664 New Amsterdam was surrendered to the 
English by the Dutch, and became New 
York. 

Not all which we have been 

Do we remain. 

Nor on the dial-hearts of men 

Do the years mark themselves in vain. 

Edward E. Sii^i,, 



August 28 

1619 About this date twenty negro slaves were 
brought in a Dutch man-of-war to the 
Virginia Colony. 

O thou great Wrong, that through the slow- 
paced years, 
Didst hold thy millions fettered. 

Bryant. 



August 29 

1692 Governor Benjamin Fletcher arrived at 
New York. 

1 grant him — 
Luxurious, avaricious, false, deceitful. 
Sudden, malicious, smacking of every sin 
That has a name. 

Shakespeare. 



August 30 

1675 The Christian Indian forces were dis- 
banded by order of the Massachusetts 
Council. 

Our doubts are traitors, 
And make us lose the good we oft might win, 
By fearing to attempt. 

Shakespeare. 



August 31 

1764 Colonel Gladwin was relieved of his com- 
mand at Fort Detroit, the French having 
been entirely dispossessed of this part of 
the country. 

Thus the whirligig of Time brings in his re- 
venges. 

Shakespeare:. 



September i 

1675 Massacre at Deerfield, Mass., in King 
Philip's War. 

Forbear to judge, for we are sinners all. 
Shakespeare. 



September 2 

1675 Massacre at Northfield, Mass., in King 
Philip's War. 

From panic, pride, and terror. 
Revenge that knows no rein — 
Light haste and lawless error, 
Protect us yet again. 

KlPI^ING. 



September 3 

1755 The name of Lake S, Sacrament changed 
to Lake George. 



So keep thy name, Lake George, said I, 

And bear to latest day 

The memory of our primal age. 

And England's early sway. 

CoxE. 



September 4 



1774 The first Continental Congress met at 
Philadelphia. 

The distinctions between Colonists are no more. 
I am not a Virginian, but an American. 

Patrick Henry. 



September 5 

1755 Colonel Ephraim Williams slain, in the 
defeat of the French and Indians at 
Fort Edward, New York. 
The trumpet sounds retreat : the day is ours. 
Come, let us to the highest of the field, 
To see what friends are living, who are dead. 

Shakespeare. 



September 6 

1609 A boat's crew from Hendrick Hudson's 
ship rowed up through the Narrows and 
discovered Manhattan Island. 

He that hath the steerage of my course. 
Direct my sail. 

Shakespeare. 



September 7 

1643 First meeting of the New England Con- 
federacy, at which John Winthrop was 
elected Governor of New England. 

Our fathers to their graves have gone ; 
Their strife is past — their triumph wou ; 
But steruer trials v^^ait the race 
Which rises in their hououred place. 

WhiTTier. 



September 8 

1755 The battle of Lake George, under Gen- 
erals Johnson and layman. 

The Mohawk war-whoop howled ageu, 

I heard St. Deny's charge. 

And then the volleyed musketry 

Of England and St. George, 

The vale, the rocks, the cradling hills, 

From echoing rank to rank. 

Rang back the warlike rhetoric 

Of Huron and of Frank. 

CoxE. 

September 9 

1650 Andries Jansen was appointed the School- 
master of New Amsterdam. 

And still they gazed, and still the wonder grew 
That one small head could carry all he knew. 

G01.DSMITH. 



September lo 



1608 Capt. John Smith was elected President 
of the Virginia Colon}^ 

He has done the work of a true man, 
Crown him, honour him, love him. 

WhiTTier. 



September 1 1 



1737 The Roxbury (Mass.) ministers and elders 
petitioned to have the ' ' Bay Psalm Book ' ' 
abolished. 

Some to church repair, 
Not for the doctrine, but the music there. 

Pope. 



September 12 



1759 General Wolfe scaled the Heights of 
Abraham and confronted General Mont- 
calm. 

Courage mounteth with occasion. 

Shakespeare. 



September 13 

1759 The battle of Quebec, won by General 
Wolfe, which secured England's domin- 
ion over Canada. 



" They ruu, the}- run ! " 

" Whoruus?" 

" The enemy, sir." 

'I Now God be praised, I die happy." 

Woi,FE. 



September 14 

1628 The Massachusetts Bay Colony was es- 
tabhshed at Salem. 

We anticipate a time when the love of truth 
shall have come up to our love of liberty, and 
meu shall be cordially tolerant and earnest be- 
lievers both at once. 

Phili^ips Brooks. 



September 15 

1655 New Amsterdam was attacked by the 
Indians armed with guns. 

I shall the effect of this good lesson keep 
As watchman to my heart. 

Shakespeare. 



September 16 

1664 The Burgomasters describe the taking of 
New Amsterdam by the English, and 
date the official notice from " Yorck." 
What 's in a name ? That which we call a rose 
By any other name would smell as sweet. 

Shakespeare. 



September 1 7 
1630 Boston was so named by the order of the 
Council. 

One of the few, the immortal names, 
That were not born to die. 

Fitz-GreEne Hai<i.ECK. 



September 18 
1759 Quebec was formally surrendered to the 
Knglrsh forces. 

Necessity never made a good bargain. 

FRANKI.IN. 

September 19 

1720 First Presbyterian Church in New York 
incorporated. 

I have not retained all the beliefs which I was 
taught. But I have retained the profoundest 
respect for the way in which I was taught them. 
Ki<izabeth Stuart Phei^ps. 



September 20 

1660 Charles II. was proclaimed King by the 
Virginia Burgesses. 

He had the art of making all men grow fond of 
him at first. But when it appeared how little 
could be built on his promises, they were cured 
of the fondness. 

Bishop Burnet. 



September 21 

1609 Hendrick Hudson arrived at Albany. 

Actions are ours ; their consequences belong to 
Heaven. 

Sir Phii^ip Francis. 



September 22 

1693 The Colonial Assembly of New York 
passed an act to provide for the forma- 
tion of Parishes in and about the City. 
Progress is the activity of to-day, and the assur- 
ance of to-morrow. 

Emerson. 



September 23 



1709 Newburgh, N. Y., was settled. 

Go forth to meet the shadowy future without 
fear, and with a manly heart. 

IvONGFELI^OW. 



September 24 

1664 Fort Orange, Albany, surrendered to the 
Knglish. 

What I possess I would gladly retain. 

Goethe. 



September 25 
1647 Governor Stuyvesant granted a Charter 
to New Amsterdam. 

He that will not apply new remedies must ex- 
pect new evils. 

Bacon. 

September 26 
1768 General Gage arrived in Boston, as the 
last Royal Governor, with a force of 
British Regulars. 

To these grievous acts and measures Americans 
cannot submit. 

De:ci.aration of Rights. 



September 27 
1763 The French at Detroit acknowledged the 
English supremacy. 

The old order changeth, yielding place to 

new 
And God fulfils Himself in many ways. 

Tennyson. 

September 28 
1648 The Fire Wardens of New Amsterdam 
were charged to see that all chimneys 
were kept clean. 

Apprehended dangers may be always defended 
dangers. 

Scott. 



September 29 

1689 The Mayor and Aldermen of New York 
City, elected by the vote of the people, 
held their first meeting. 

This is what I call the American idea, a govern- 
ment of the people, by the people, and for the 
people. 

Theodore Parker. 



September 30 

1682 Thomas Dongan became Governor of 
New York. 

Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control, 
These three alone lead life to sovereign power. 

Tennyson. 



October i 

1755 Fort William Henry at Lake George was 
ordered built. 

What boots it at one gate to make defence, 
And at another to let in the foe ? 

MlI^TON. 



October 2 

1685 Date of the Deed of Philadelphia to Will- 
iam Perm. 

The young city, round whose virgin zone 
The rivers like two mighty arms were thrown, 
Marked by the smoke of evening fires alone, 
Lay in the distance, lovely even then 
With its fair women, and its stately men, 
Gracing the forest court of William Penn. 

WhiTTier. 



October 3 

1635 Sir Henry Vane landed at Boston by the 
ship Defia7ice. 

His years but young, his experience old ; 
His head unmellowed, but his judgment ripe ; 
And, in a word (for far behind his worth 
Come all the praises that I now bestow), 
He is complete in feature and in mind 
With all good grace to grace a gentleman. 

Shakespeare. 



October 4 

1609 Hendrick Hudson sailed from New Am- 
sterdam for Holland. 

Man, through all ages of revolving time. 
Unchanging man, in every varying clime, 
Deems his own land of every land the pride, 
Belov'd of Heaven o'er all the world beside. 
Montgomery. 



October 5 

1675 Springfield, Mass., was sacked by the 
Indians. 

Yet I argue not 
Against Heaven's hand or will, nor bate a jot 
Of heart or hope, but still bear up and steer 
Right onward. 

MlI<TON. 



October 6 

1669 A seal and silver mace were presented to 
New York City by the Duke of York. 
A man may be a legal donor 
Of anything whereof he 's owner. 

BuTi^KR. 



October 7 

1765 The first Congress of American Colonies 
met in New York. 

The age of virtuous politics is past, 
And we are deep in that of cold pretence. 
Patriots are grown too shrewd to be sincere, 
And we too wise to trust them. 

COWPER. 



October 8 

1755 The French began the building of the 
fort at Ticonderoga. 

Heyday ! what a sweep of vanity comes this 
way ! 

Shakespeare. 



October 9 

1654 Massachusetts troops, under Major Wil- 
lard were mustered at Dedham to march 
against Ninigret who had oppressed the 
Pequod Indians. 



The gods 
Grow angry with your patience ; 't is their care, 
And must be yours, that guilty men escape not. 
As crimes do grow, justice should rouse itself. 

Ben Jonson. 



October lo 

1615 A battle was fought between Champlain 
and Indians in Western New York. 
Each at the head 
Ivevell'd his deadly aim ; their fatal hands 
No second stroke intend. 

Milton. 



October 1 1 

1614 The term " New Netherlands" first used 
in Colonial annals. 

The proper means of increasing the love we 
bear to our native country is to reside some time 
in a foreign one. 

Shenstone. 



October 12 

1665 John Shutte was licensed as the first 
English Schoolmaster at Albany. 
The Schoolmaster is abroad ; and I trust to him, 
armed with his primer, against the soldier in 
full military array. 

Brougham. 



October 13 

1655 The Indians demanded ransom for certain 
Dutch captives, which was refused. 

I had rather chop this hand off at a blow, 
And with the other fling it at thy face, 
Than bear so low a sail, to strike to thee. 
Shakkspeark. 



October 14 

1644 Birthdaj^ of William Penn. 

Worth, courage, honour, these indeed 
Your sustenance and birthright are. 

Stedman. 



October 15 

1713 Excise laws were passed in New York. 
Taxes are the sinews of the state. 

Cicero. 



October 16 

1725 First Newspaper published in New York. 
Turn to the press — its teeming sheets survey. 
Big with the wonders of each passing day ; 
Births, deaths, and weddings, forgeries, fires, 

and wrecks. 
Harangues and hailstones, brawls and broken 
necks. 

Sprague. 



October 17 

1666 The French invaded the Mohawk Valley. 

For he that hath but impudence 
To all things has a fair pretence ; 
And, put among his wants, his shame, 
To all the world may lay his claim. 

BuTl^KR. 



October 18 

1690 Troops were lauded at Quebec under 
Major Walley in expedition against 
Canada. 

We have scotch'd the snake, not killed it, 
She '11 close, and be herself; while our poor 

malice 
Remains in danger of her former tooth. 

Shakespeare^. 



October 19 

1630 First General Court was held at Boston. 

For forms of government let fools contest ; 
Whate'er is best administered is best. 

Pope. 



October 20 

1629 John Winthrop was chosen Governor of 
Mass. Bay Colony before leaving Kngland. 

The force of his own merit makes his way, 

A gift that Heaven gives for him, which buys 

A place next to the king. 

Shakespeare. 



October 21 



1746 Date of Charter of Princeton College. 

Knowledge is proud that he has learned so 

much ; 
Wisdom is humble that he knows no more. 

COWPER. 



October 22 

1690 The attack on Quebec was abandoned by 
General Phips. 

What though the field be lost ! 
All is not lost : the ungovernable will 
And courage never to submit or yield ; 
And, what is else, not to be overcome. 

Mll^TON. 



October 23 

1765 The Stamps for duty- tax arrived in New 
York. 

The speculative part of the Colonists look upon 
this unconstitutional method of taxation as a 
direful attack upon their liberties, and loudly 
exclaim against the violation. 

Washington. 



October 24 

1686 Date of the Pokeepsie Patent. 

The means that Heaven yields must be em- 
braced, 
And not neglected. 

Shakespeare. 



October 25 

1632 Governor Winthrop of Massachusetts 
and the Boston Pastor paid a visit to Ply- 
mouth, and spent the next Sunda}^ with 
Governor Bradford and Elder Brewster. 

Hand 
Grasps hand, eye lights eye in good friendship, 
And great hearts expand 

And grow one in the sense of this world's life. 

Browning. 



October 26 

1761 Governor Robert Monckton of New York 
arrived. 

I will be true to you as blade to haft. 

Scott. 



October 27 

1682 William Penn landed at Newcastle, Del., 
on his way to Philadelphia. 

God's errands never fail. 

WhiTTier. 



October 28 

1636 The Massachusetts Court made an appro- 
priation of ^400 for the establishment of 
a School or College. 

The sure foundations of the State are laid in 
knowledge, not in ignorance. 

Curtis. 



October 29 

1682 William Penn arrived at Upland (Ches- 
ter), Pa. 

What thou wilt thou shalt rather enforce with 
thy smile, than hew to it with thy sword. 

Shakespeare;. 



October 30 

1753 Washington received his first Commission 
from Governor Dinwiddie of Virginia. 

Heaven knows I had no such intent ; 
But that necessity so bow'd the state 
That I and greatness were compell'd to kiss. 

Shakespeare. 



October 31 

1687 The Charter of Connecticut was concealed 
in the oak tree, to save it from surrender 
to the Royal Governor, Andros. 

Mighty alike for good or ill, 

With motherland we fully share 

The Saxon strength, the nerve of steel. 

The tireless energy of will. 

The power to do, the pride to dare, 

WHirriER. 



November 



1765 A meeting was held in New York to op- 
pose the Stamp Act. 

Let us see who will dare to put the Act into 
execution. 

The Sons of Liberty. 



November 2 

1730 Twenty pounds reward was offered in 
New York for a horse-thief. 

The thief doth fear each bush an officer. 
Shakespeare. 



November 3 

1621 The first observance of Thanksgiving 
Day, at Plymouth, begun on Thursday, 
closed with a state dinner on Saturday. 



Or any ill escaped, or good attained, let us re- 
member still 
Heaven chalked the way that brought us thither. 

Shakespeare. 



November 4 

1677 William of Orange married Mary of 
Kugland. 

He, who was half myself ! 
One faith has ever bound us, and one reason 
Guided our wills. 

RowE. 



November 5 

1714 The Pejepscot Company of Maine Pro- 
prietors bought Wharton's Grant. 
I '11 give thrice so much land 
To any well-deserving friend ; 
But in the way of bargain, mark ye me, 
I '11 cavil on the ninth part of a hair. 

Shakespeare. 



November 6 

1672 A law was passed that no person be al- 
lowed to travel in New York Colony 
without a passport. 



Give nie the ocular proof ; 
Make me to see 't ; or at the least, so prove it 
That the probations bear no hinge, nor loop 
To hang a doubt on. 

Shakespeare;. 



November 7 

1635 About this date a party of Plymouth Pil- 
grims settled on the Connecticut River. 

Freedom all winged expands, 
Nor perches in a narrow place ; 
Her broad van seeks implanted lands, 
She loves a poor and virtuous race. 

Emerson. 



November 8 

1715 Governor Hunter of New York sent the 
King's command to the Justices and Ves- 
trymen of New York City with regard to 
the salary of the Rector of Trinity Church. 

Why should not piety be made 
As well as equity, a trade ? 
And in a congregation pray, 
No less than Chancery, for pay ? 

BuTl,ER. 



November 9 

« 

1683 First Charter granted New York by 
Governor Dongan. 

Men who their duties know, but know their 
rights, and knowing, dare maintain — these con- 
stitute a State. 

Sir W. Jones. 



November 10 

1620 The Mayflower sighted the harbour of 
Cape Cod. 

I have set my life upon a cast 
And I will stand the hazard of the die. 
Shakespeare. 



November 1 1 

1620 The Pilgrim Colonists entered Cape Cod 
harbour, signed the Mayflower Compact 
and landed fifteen or sixteen men to ex- 
plore the coast. 

The heavy night hung dark 

The hills and waters o'er. 

When a baud of exiles moored their bark 

On the wild New England shore. 

Hemans. 



November 12 

1620 The first Sunday spent by the Pilgrims in 
the new world. They remained on board 
the Mayflower all day. 

Sunday is the core of our civilization, dedicated 
to thought and reverence. 

Emerson. 



November 13 



1697 The City Hall of New York being con- 
sidered unsafe, the Council was directed 
to meet ' ' next door. ' ' 

The better part of valour is discretion, 
In the which better part I have saved my life. 

ShakkspEare. 



November 14 

1673 Instructions were given to the Under- 
Sheriff of New Orange with reference to 
his duties in the suburbs. 

Man, proud man, 
Brest in a little brief authority, 
Most ignorant of what he 's most assur'd. 
Shakespeare. 



November 15 

1637 " Newetowne, " now Cambridge, Mass., 
was fixed upon as the place for ' ' the 
College." 

An investment in knowledge always pays the 
best interest. 

Frankwn. 



November 16 

1745 Massacre at Saratoga b}^ the French. 

Man's inhumanity to man makes countless 
thousands mourn. 

Burns. 



November 17 

1739 An act was passed to fortify the "Old 
Church " in Schenectady. 

Necessity may render a doubtful act innocent, 
but it cannot make it praiseworth}-, 

JOUBERT. 



November 18 

1755 An earthquake in New York and New 
England known as "The Great Earth- 
quake." 



Diseased nature oftentimes breaks forth 
In strange eruptions ; oft the teeming earth 
Is with a kind of colic pinched and vex'd 
By the imprisoning of unruly wind. 

Shakespeare. 



November 19 

1 62 1 The Fortu7ie arrived at Plymouth with 
new emigrants in a time of scarcity. 
Wherever souls are being tried and ripened, in 
whatever commonplace and homely ways, there 
God is hewing out the pillars for His temple. 
Phii^lips Brooks. 



November 20 

1637 The Governor of Massachusetts and 
others were ordered by the Court to take 
order for the College at Cambridge. 
Neither piety, virtue, nor liberty can long flour- 
ish in a- community where the education of 
youth is neglected. 

Cooper. 



November 21 

1757 Entertainment was given to " worthy 
Col. Peter Schtiyler " on his return to 
New York. 
To say you are welcome were superfluous. 
Shakespeare. 



November 22 

1664 The subjected Dutch authorities of New 
Amsterdam wrote a loyal letter to James 
of York. 

We, too, are friends to loyalty. W^ love 
The king who loves the law, respects his 

bounds 
And reigns content within them. 

Him we serve 
Freely and with delight, who leaves us free. 
But recollecting still that he is man. 
We trust him not too far. 

COWPER. 



November 23 

1676 An Indian of the Praying Band recovered 
his wife and child from Boston Prison, by 
order of the Court. 

Impartiality is the life of justice, as justice is 
of all good government. 

Justinian. 



November 24 

1758 Fort Duquesne was captured by the 
Americans. 

A victory is twice itself when the achievement 
brings home full numbers. 

Shakespeare. 



• November 25 

1758 The site of Fort Duquesne was named 
" Pittsburgh " in honour of WiUiam Pitt. 
The name that dwells on every tongue 
No minstrel needs. 

LONGFEI,I.OW. 



November 26 

1644 The Village of " Breuchlyn," Long Isl- 
and, was incorporated. 

I^et us watch well our beginnings, and results 
will manage themselves. 

AlvEX. CivARK. 



November 27 
1676 The Great Fire in Boston. 

Adversity, sage, useful guest, 
Severe instructor, but the best ; 
It is from thee alone we know 
Justly to value things below. 

SOMERVil,l.E. 



November 28 

1758 The dead at "Braddock's Field near 
Fort Duquesne were buried, after lying 
on the battle-field three years. 
The valiant never taste of death but once. 
Shakespeare. 



November 29 

1727 John Talbot, bishop by Nonjuror conse- 
cration, first bishop to come to North 
America, died at Burlington, N.J. 

In his duty prompt at every call, 
He watched, and wept, and felt, and prayed for 
all. 

G01.DSMITH. 



November 30 

1756 St. Andrew's Society of New York was 
instituted. 

O Scotia ! my dear, my native soil ! 
For whom my warmest wish to Heaven is sent ! 
I/ong may thy hardy sous of rustic toil 
Be blest with health and peace and sweet 
content. 

Burns. 



December i 

1699 England forbade woollen goods to be car- 
ried out of any American Plantation. 
I know him tyrannous ; and tyrants' fears 
Decrease not, but grow faster than the years. 

Shakespeare. 



December 2 

1680 I,a Salle embarked in a canoe at " the 
Rock " to go to the Mississippi. 
Attempt the end, and never stand to doubt ; 
Nothing 's so hard but search will find it out. 

Herrick. 



December 3 

1678 Thomas Delaval was appointed Judge of 
the Admiralty in New York. 

No man e'er felt the halter draw 
With good opinion of the law. 

Trumbui<i.. 



December 4 

1750 The Post went out of New York only 
once a fortnight during the winter season. 

See, Winter comes to rule the varied year, 
Sullen and sad, with all his rising train. 
Vapours and clouds and storms. 

Thompson. 



December 5 

1671 The Council of New York ordered that 
^100 arrears of salary be paid to Domi- 
nie Drisius. 

What makes all doctrines plain and clear ? 
About two hundred pounds a year. 

BUTI^ER. 



December 6 

1746 An act was passed to continue the Mili- 
tary Watch at Albany. 

In case of defence, 't is best to weigh 
The enemy more mighty than he seems. 
Shakespeare. 



December 7 

1620 Death of Dorothy Bradford of Plymouth. 

What will not woman, gentle woman, dare 
When strong affection stirs her spirit up ! 

SOUTHEY. 



December 8 

1620 The Pilgrim Colonists under Myles Stan- 
dish had their first encounter with Indians, 
while exploring the coast between Cape 
Cod and Plymouth. 

His valour is the salt to his other virtues. 

Ben Jonson. 



December 9 

167s Beginning of the Narragansett Campaign. 

All was prepared, the fire, the sword, the men 
To wield them in their terrible array. 
The army, like a lion from his den, 
March'd forth with nerves and sinews bent to 
slay. 

Byron. 



December lo 

1672 A Proclamation was made that a Post 
between New York and Boston would 
begin on January ist. 

Any man that can write may answer a letter. 

Shakespeare. 



December 1 1 

1762 An act was passed in New York to quarter 
and billet the royal troops within the 
Colony. 

I must bear 
What is ordained with patience, being aware 
Necessit)^ doth front the universe 
With an invincible gesture. 

Mrs. Browning. 



December 12 

1753 Act passed in New York to raise money 
by lottery towards founding King's Col- 
lege. 

Bell, book, and candle shall not drive me back 
When gold and silver becks me to come on. 

Shakespeare. 



December 13 

1636 The Massachusetts Bay Court ordered 
three regiments of militia to be formed 
within the colony. 

To be prepared for war is one of the most effec- 
tual ways of preserving peace. 

Washington. 



December 14 

1705 Carolina traders attacked the Spanish 
settlement at Ayavalla in Louisiana, and 
took many prisoners. 

Nothing succeeds so well as success. 

Tai^IvEyrand. 



December 15 

1620 The Mayflozver attempted to run into 
Plymouth harbour, but it was driven 
back by the wind. 

Endurance is the crowning quality, 
And patience all the passion of great hearts. 

LowEi^i,. 



December i6 

1773 The Boston Tea Party was held about 
seven o'clock in the evening. 

Strong reasons make strong actions. 

Shakespeare. 



December i 7 

1773 The Sons of Liberty, organized in 1765, 
held an important meeting in New York, 

Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant 
of rapid growth. 

Washington. 



December 18 

1766 The boundary line between New York 
and Canada was settled. 

Peace hath her victories no less renowned than 
war. 

M11.TON. 



December 19 

1675 The Great Swamp Fight, in which the 
Narragansetts were driven out of their 
Fort by Massachusetts, Plymouth, and 
Connecticut forces. 



Honourable descent is, iu all nations, greatly 
esteemed. It is to be expected that the chil- 
dren of men of worth will be like their pro- 
genitors. 

AriSToTi^B. 



December 20 

1686 Sir Edmund Andros landed at Boston as 
Royal Governor of all New England. 

He hath no friends but what are friends for 

fear ; 
Which in his dearest need will fly from him. 

ShakeSPEARB. 



December 21 

1620 " Forefathers Day." (Old Style, Mon- 
day, December nth.) 
Landing of the Pilgrim Colonists at 
Plymouth. 

Aye, call it holy ground. 
The soil where first they trod ! 
They have left unstained what there they 

found — 
Freedom to worship God. 

Hemans. 



December 22 

1715 South Carolina resolved on self-govern- 
ment, independent of their proprietors. 



The greatest of all huraau benefits, that, at least, 
without which no other benefit can be truly en- 
joyed, is independence. 

Godwin. 



December 23 

1686 William Butler was chosen as the Chim- 
ney-sweeper for New York City. 

Honour and shame from no condition rise, 
Act well 3^our part, there all the honour lies. 

Pope. 



December 24 

1763 Jacob Arden, a butcher, violated the As- 
size Law, in New York, and was ordered 
to leave the market-place. 

" Well, well," said Mr. Bumble, "every trade 
has its drawbacks." 

Dickens. 



December 25 

1620 First Christmas spent in New England 
by the Pilgrim Fathers, on board the 
Mayflower, whose master served them 
with beer. 



Heap ou more wood ! the wiud is chill, 

But let it whistle as it will, 

We '11 keep our Christmas merry still. 

vScoTT. 



December 26 

1759 Governor L^'ttleton of vSoiith Carolina 
made a treat}^ with the Cherokee Indians 
which the}^ treacherotisl}' broke. 

Men are oftener treacherous through weakness 
than design. 

R0CHEFOUCAUI.D. 



December 27 ' 

1675 Captain Prentice destro5'ed one hundred 
wdgwams at Warwick, Mass. 
Necessity of action takes away the fear of the 
act, and makes hold resolution the favourite of 
fortune. 

QUARI.ES. 



December 28 

1697 Four barrels of powder were ordered for 
saluting Governor Bellamont on his ar- 
' rival at New York. 

Sir, you are very welcome to our house, 
It must appear in other ways than words. 
Shakespeare. 



December 29 

1773 Governor Tr3'on's home in the Fort at 
New York burned down. 

We are always in tbe forge, or ou the anvil ; by 
trials God is shaping us for higher things. 

Brecher. 



December 30 

1675 Firing of "pistells and other gunns " on 
New^ Year's Day, in New York, pro- 
hibited. 

If all the year were playing holidays, 

To sport would be as tedious as to work. 

But when they seldom come, they wished for 

come 
And nothing pleaseth but rare accidents, 

ShakespKark. 



December 31 

1758 Washington retired from the Colonial 
Army at the age of twenty-six, after five 
years of service, highly commended by 
his officers. 

As famous and as bold in war, 
As he is famed for mildness, peace, and prayer. 

Shakespeare. 



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